How WOFAN empowered persons with disabilities in Bauchi, Jigawa
As part of activities marking the 2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD), a non-profit organization, Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN) has taken significant steps to empower Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) through skill acquisition and the provision of tools to enhance self-reliance.
In Bauchi, WOFAN trained 300 students from the Special Education Center on various vocational skills.
This initiative carried out under the WOFAN ICON-2 project in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, equipped the school’s skills acquisition centre with modern tools to ensure sustainability.
SolaceBase reports that the project aligns with the Mastercard Foundation We Can Work program, which aims to support one million PWDs across seven African countries, including Nigeria.
It also contributes to the broader Young Africa Works Strategy, targeting the creation of dignified employment opportunities for 30 million youth in Africa.

Representing the Bauchi State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Jamila Muhammad Dahiru, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Ali Babayo Gamawa, on Wednesday praised WOFAN’s efforts and called on other organizations to emulate their noble gesture. “This government is committed to providing quality education for students with special needs, and WOFAN’s support complements these efforts,” he said.
On his part, Alhaji Lawan Ahmad, Durumin Bauchi and Sarkin Birshi commended WOFAN’s founder, Dr. Salamatu Garba, for her leadership and dedication to community development.
He noted that the skills training initiative would enable students to gain vital abilities, reducing unemployment among PWDs.
Alhaji Ahmad urged the students to maximize the training opportunities provided while calling on the school administration to maintain and sustain the resources made available.
In a remark, Hajiya Asabe Yahaya Muhammad, the Principal of the Special Education Centre, lauded WOFAN’s transformative interventions. “WOFAN’s impact on our school has been remarkable. They have trained our students in vocational skills such as tailoring, carpentry, welding, and agriculture. This has enabled them to become self-reliant.
‘’They also addressed infrastructure challenges by building over 20 toilets and bathroom facilities, which significantly reduced open defecation, and drilling a borehole near the female hostel to resolve water supply issues,” she said.
Hajiya Asabe also expressed optimism about the repair of the currently non-functional borehole, which had earlier eased water scarcity issues for female students. She praised WOFAN’s Executive Director, Ambassador Salamatu Garba, for establishing four vocational departments at the school, which have become key drivers of empowerment for the students. “The tailoring department has already proven impactful, as many students started repairing their torn uniforms upon receiving the equipment,” she added.

The Bauchi Team Lead of WOFAN, Shafi’u Haladu Babaji, emphasized the organization’s dedication to inclusivity for PWDs.
“On behalf of Ambassador Salamatu Garba, we are here to ensure these students are equipped with the skills and tools to compete in the job market. Recently, we distributed specialized tricycles to ease transportation challenges and provide a means of livelihood for the physically challenged,” he said.
As a mark of appreciation, Dr. Garba was conferred the traditional title Jarumar Birshi, recognizing her efforts in uplifting the vulnerable.
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The event featured the distribution of high-quality vocational tools, including sewing machines, carpentry equipment, and welding instruments. Sani Umar, a welding instructor, highlighted the value of the provided materials, such as filing machines, welding goggles, pliers, and drilling machines.

Bulus Manzo, WOFAN’s cluster representative for Das Local Government Area, highlighted the impact of the WOFAN ICON-2 project, particularly in reducing street begging among PWDs. He revealed that PWDs in the community benefitted from agricultural initiatives, which included access to farmlands, seeds, fertilizers, tractors, and other essential farming inputs.
Additionally, Mr John Abiabangbee, a staff of UBA in Bauchi, outlined steps for beneficiaries to open bank accounts. This was aimed at enhancing financial inclusion and access to services for PWDs.
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In Jigawa State, WOFAN extended its outreach by distributing 20 tricycles and two modified motorbikes to PWDs.
This effort aimed to address mobility challenges while fostering independence and integration into socio-economic activities.
Through these initiatives, WOFAN continues to play a vital role in supporting PWDs across communities, helping them overcome challenges and achieve self-reliance.
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